AS trailer manufacturer SDC’s new Antrim plant becomes fully operational, the company has revealed that their trailers will be produced more time and cost efficiently than ever before, with a trailer going into production every 12 minutes.
The new 35,000 square foot extension at the company’s MDF site in Antrim represents a £3.5 million investment from the manufacturer, following six consecutive years of record trailer orders.
Founded in 1978, SDC employs more than 900 staff across four manufacturing plants - three in Northern Ireland and the other in Nottinghamshire.
The new facility has raised SDC’s growing production level to 40 trailers daily. Cutting edge technology, including a new state of the art fibre laser cutter and three new press-brakes for folding steel components have been installed at the plant to facilitate the manufacturers’ broad range of trailer designs, most of which are custom built to specific operator requirements.
SDC managing director Mark Cuskeran said: “As the market leader, it is crucial that SDC looks to the future in order to maintain the high level of customer service we have built up over the years. Following the implementation of new technology and processes across our existing facilities, the decision was made to build a new plant that would enable us to fulfil increasing order numbers without compromising on quality and lead time.
"I'm delighted to see that our new Antrim plant is now fully operational, our order book is looking healthy for 2016 and we are well placed to meet the growing demands of our customers worldwide. SDC is in a strong position to move forward as a result of its quality products and cost efficient manufacturing processes.”
With production levels exceeding 9,400 units last year, SDC has projected that turnover will reach £189 million in 2016 as the firm continues to drive innovation and explore new markets including the Middle East.
The group has increased staff numbers within the last year by 165 people and also fully brought in line its welding academy.
